Broiler Breeder Welfare: Parent Flock Management

Broiler breeder parent flocks are subjected to severe feed restriction to control weight and enable reproduction, causing chronic hunger and welfare problems.

Key Facts

Broiler breeders are the parent birds that produce eggs hatched into meat chickens
Modern broiler genetics cause rapid weight gain that would compromise breeding if unrestricted
Parent flocks are feed-restricted to approximately 30-50% of ad libitum intake for much of their lives
Chronically feed-restricted breeders show abnormal foraging, stereotypies and aggression at feeding
Redirected foraging behaviour persists even when birds are sated, indicating frustration memory
Cognitive bias tests show feed-restricted breeders show pessimistic judgement biases
Alternative genetics with lower growth potential could reduce the need for severe restriction
Water restriction may also be used to limit weight gain, causing additional welfare harm

Welfare Considerations

Broiler parent feed restriction represents severe, chronic welfare compromise. Animals are maintained in a state of persistent hunger throughout their productive lives. The behavioural evidence of frustration and the physiological evidence of stress are compelling. This welfare problem is embedded in the genetics of modern broiler production - solving it requires either a return to slower-growing genetics or development of lines that maintain reproductive performance without restriction. Consumer demand for higher welfare chicken drives industry change.

What You Can Do

Choose chicken products from slower-growing breeds such as RSPCA Assured or higher welfare certified
Support organisations campaigning for broiler breeder feed restriction reform
Engage with retailers about their supplier requirements for parent flock welfare
Reduce chicken consumption or shift to plant-based alternatives to reduce demand on parent flocks
Advocate for breed reform that eliminates the need for severe feed restriction in parent flocks